Is this a good idea???

rjent · Post by **rjent** » Sat May 31, 2014 6:27 pm

I tripped across this because I was thinking of making one myself. It seems like a good idea and fits a series of projects that I am going to start after I get more dialed in on this machine.

Anyway, any and all opinions ....

http://www.woodpeck.com/gripper.html

Dick

benush26 · Post by **benush26** » Sat May 31, 2014 7:42 pm

YES!!

You will quickly find that two is better than one, especially for longer or larger pieces. Also, if you are going to cut thin strips, buying the 1/8" foot is a decent add on.

Personally I feel more comfortable using the handle bridge adapter (yes, more money) because I believe it allows me to get more torque on the assembly, but as an old fart I often choose safety aspects even if they are just mental,

They are on sale fairly often at multiple stores.... Woodcraft, Rockler, Woodpeckers, Peachtree, etal.

I've not tried the lower priced versions.

Be well,
Ben

perryobear · Post by **perryobear** » Sat May 31, 2014 7:44 pm

Hi,
There are all kinds of push sticks, push pads, etc out there and the choice I think is a personal one; what works best for you, what are you comfortable with, and so on.

I have a grripper and like using it, along with a zero clearance insert, when ripping thin widths. It will allow you to rip down to 1/4" widths (1/8" with the optional leg). I don't usually use it for larger (wider) cuts, but for cutting strip wood its my favorite.

One thing to remember is that the upper saw guard is not in place when using it. With the Shopsmith that means there is no riving knife or anti-kickback pawls. Shopsmith sells a separate riving knife and the company that makes the grripper also sells a splitter device. Just something to keep in mind.

So for me at least the grripper has its place.

Dennis

JonE · Post by **JonE** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:23 am

I have two and I'm a fan. I do use use it it in conjunction with a splitter incorporated into a zero clearance insert. It has been a worthwhile investment especially for consistent thin strip production.

forrestb · Post by **forrestb** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:12 am

For ripping thin strips against the fence and for ripping long pieces (2 Grippers needed) I like it. But…

You have to set it up so that you don't cut the Gripper. That means checking the placement of the center 'foot' and the height of the blade. More delay in getting the job done. Most of the rips only require that I reach up and get my home-made push block and go. It is wood and has been cut several times by the blade but still keeps on working - safely.

For ripping thin strips I prefer to cut them away from the blade, not along the fence. Yes, I have to move the fence for each rip, but a block clamped to the table provides a convenient stop. If I had only one strip to cut I would use the Gripper since I can set the fence to the right distance more easily than the clamped stop block.

Forrest

berry · Post by **berry** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:26 am

I've had two for a couple years and like them for the most part. As Forrest says, it's one more thing to adjust. I often prefer my shop made push block and I use SS's over-the-fence unit. I'd try to get them on sale because I think they're pricey. Although I'm sure some would argue - what price safety.

rjent · Post by **rjent** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:00 pm

OK guys, sounds like everything else, you need them but you don't. I was going to make something very similar to them then did a google search and found them.

If I do get them, what model would you guys suggest? There seems to be a lot of different devices to get from them with different options .....

Dick

forrestb · Post by **forrestb** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:29 pm

rjent wrote:OK guys, sounds like everything else, you need them but you don't. I was going to make something very similar to them then did a google search and found them.

If I do get them, what model would you guys suggest? There seems to be a lot of different devices to get from them with different options .....

Dick

I would stick with 2 basic GR-100s (2 if you rip long pieces on a fairly regular basis) and maybe add a ⅛ " leg if you rip thin to the fence. Wait around if you can. Woodcraft had the "Advanced" model on sale a few months ago (it doesn't include the ⅛" foot).

reible · Post by **reible** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:52 pm

I have these and I would say if you can afford them, getting the system of both the GRR-Ripper GR-200 (and yes you will need 2 of them) and the MJ-Splitter SteelPro is a great addition to the shop.

If you have not been to their site I would do that first. They have plenty of information on their products and videos of them being used.

http://www.microjig.com/products/grr-ripper/

I also agree that the 1/8" leg is worth having, again you will need two of them.

I also agree that you should wait for a sale, many places sell them and since they are costly it is worth getting them for a few $$ off.

You might also want to do a search here at the site as there has been posts about them, several my me. Use the term "grr-ripper".

Ed

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Mon Jun 02, 2014 11:22 am

This set is on my wish list at amazon.

Father's day is coming, I can hope. These would also be very useful on router table setups.

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Is this a good idea???

Is this a good idea???

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Gripper has its uses